Current Exhibits

Through early Spring 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

In conjunction with the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, GIA was honored to display a collection of family artifacts that survived 9/11. The items were recovered from a bank vault safety deposit box at 5 World Trade Center, a building that was badly damaged and burned for days after the attacks. While the contents of most of the safety deposit boxes were reduced to ash, a 1950s-era 14K white gold ribbon bow brooch was found intact. Its metalwork was blackened, but the 75 diamonds were in remarkably good condition and did not show any significant signs of degradation. Four other family heirlooms were also on display: two small silver mesh clutches and two gold pocket watches.

• Ribbon Brooch
  This 1950s-era 14k white gold ribbon brooch, with its 75 diamonds (2.78 cts) intact, was retrieved from the World Trade Center site. Photos by Robert Weldon.
• Silver Mesh Clutches
  Two petite silver mesh clutches fused together from the heat of the fires that burned for weeks. The larger one, left, measures 5.5 inches wide by 4 inches high and the smaller one 2.7 inches by 2.5 inches.
• Pocket Watches
  A 14k gold Columbus pocket watch, left, and a 14k gold Lord Elgin pocket watch.

Through February 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

Master carver Perry Brent Davis is famous for his nature-inspired sculptures, consisting of large agates carefully chosen for their intricate patterns, appealing color and rich textures. More than 15 of his sculptures are featured, combining art deco, abstract and surrealistic influences. Some of his pieces contain two or more minerals, requiring a high level of technical expertise and workmanship. For more on the Perry Davis Collection, visit www.perrybdavis.com

• Circles
  Gemstone carving in banded agate from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Deep colored orange bands and orbs contrast several other colors in the material. Sculpture stands 38 x 21 x 8 cm with base, 28 x 21 x 7 cm without.
• The Face
  Gemstone carving in smoky quartz from Rio Grande do Sul. Brazil. Bronze mid-base and granite base.
• Picture Frame
  Gemstone sculpture in drusy agate from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Bronze mid-base, granite base.
• Autumn Plumage
  Gemstone carving in banded agate from the Condor mine, San Rafael, Argentina. The sculpture stands 37 x 20 x 9.5 cm with base, 28 x 20 x 9.5 cm without.

Through January 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

A magnificent ensemble of colored diamonds. Each stone is a unique combination of size, color, cut, clarity, finish, and balance of color intensity and lightness. The colors of all these diamonds are natural and have not been treated in any way. For more on the Adamas Collection, visit www.adamascollection.com 

• 1.11 ct Fancy Vivid Greenish Yellow Diamond
  
• 3.06 ct Fancy Orangish Brown Diamond
  
• 1.16 ct Fancy Vivid Yellowish Orange Diamond
  
• 0.70 ct Pink Diamond
  

Through February 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

An exhibit featuring fourteen pieces of jewelry created by the award-winning artist, Zoltan David, of Austin, Texas.

• Flower Ring
  Winner of an AGTA Spectrum Award in 2007. Spessartine garnet (20.85 ct), tsavorite garnet, 18K and 22K gold, and platinum. Courtesy of Nancy’s Collection.
• Yellow Sapphire and Ruby Ring
  Sapphire (11.76 ct), ruby, diamond, 18K and 22K gold, and platinum. Courtesy of Nancy’s Collection.
• Butterfly Ring
  Watermelon tourmaline, diamond, 18K gold, and platinum. Courtesy of Nancy’s Collection.

Through March 3, 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

The set, hand-crafted by Jim Grahl from Orange County, is created with 12 lbs of 14K yellow and white gold. Grahl researched 13^th and 14^th century European costumes, armament and religions to make sure the figurines looked authentic. Ultimately, he chose a cross-section of European cultures and designs. The kings are Nordic, the queens Spanish, the bishops Anglican/Catholic, the knights French, the castles Germanic, and the pawns Welsh foot soldiers.

• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.
• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.
• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.
• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.

• Trilliant Collection
  21 of 93 trilliant cut gemstones representing a variety of species. Courtesy of The Roz & Gene Meieran Collection.
• Emerald Crystal
  Emerald crystal from Colombia, 88.4 g. Courtesy of The Roz & Gene Meieran Collection.

August 12, 2011 - February 20, 2012
Location: San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California

On September 14, 2011, the San Diego Airport Authority joined GIA in officially opening the “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” exhibit at San Diego International Airport. The exhibit contains more than 250 gems, minerals, and jewelry from around the world.  “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” features lavish displays showcasing birthstones for each month of the year, as well as an enormous 22,000-carat faceted quartz and a replica of a jeweled Victoria’s Secret Bra. The exhibit will be on display through February 20, 2012 and is located in Terminal 2 West, post-security. “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” is part of the San Diego International Airport Art Program, which was established in 2006 to engage travelers in innovative, memorable, and considerate experiences, creating an ambiance unique to San Diego and welcoming people to the airport and region.

• Birthstones Case
  Each case of “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” offers a variety of examples of the gemstone that represent each month of the year, along with fun facts about the gems.

May 15, 2010 - April 8, 2012
Location: San Diego Museum of Natural History

Did you know that the gemstones in your jewelry are millions of years old? In this exhibit, you’ll discover how gems and precious metals were formed long ago, deep within the earth and brought to the surface through powerful and amazing geologic processes. Some of the most important gems and minerals are mined in California and San Diego County and are on display, including benitoite, morganite and kunzite. This exhibition features a vast selection of stunning natural mineral crystals, unique jewelry, and works of art on loan from private collectors and major U.S. institutions including GIA, American Museum of Natural History, Harvard University Mineralogical Museum, Newark Museum and National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Institution.

• Victoria’s Secret Bra
  A replica of the Victoria’s Secret “Very Sexy Fantasy Bra” by Pascal Mouawad. The original piece was modeled by Heidi Klum at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2003.

AGTA Gem Fair: January 31 - February 5, 2012
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show 2012: February 9 - 12, 2012
Location: Tucson, Arizona

GIA will showcase gems and jewelry with Southwest flair, as well as other pieces from our museum collection at the AGTA GemFair and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. These one-of-a-kind displays will be on exhibit only for the duration of each show, so you won’t want to miss them.

• Touraine Southwest Jewelry
  Some of the fabulous, southwest-inspired jewelry that will be on display at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show